Morrill Hall hosts 'NaturePalooza Nebraska' Oct. 2

The University of Nebraska State Museum and the UNL School of Natural Resources will host "NaturePalooza Nebraska," 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Oct. 2 at Morrill Hall.

The event provides a day of discovery and hands-on activities throughout the museum with stations staffed by faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students. Activities and games will help visitors better understand Nebraska's rich natural resources and ways to help protect them.

Scientists from various groups within the school will provide interactive stations that explain the science behind Nebraska's water, weather and wildlife. Topics covered will include birds, fish, plants, geography, conservation and climate change. Make birding journals to record species found in nature. Take a photo with "Pebbles," a larger-than-life piping plover. Identify different kinds of fish, as well as algae and insects that live in water. See live reptiles and amphibians on display. Learn about "alien invaders" in Nebraska - the invasive species that threaten natives - and how we can prevent their spread. Plant a soybean and observe its life cycle. Investigate ground and surface water movements through demonstrations with "The Water Machine," a 6-foot flow model. Play games using a real-time weather station and test your knowledge about drought. Explore how geographers use mapping technology to understand Nebraska's climate. Scavenger hunts and giveaways will round out the event.

Mueller Planetarium will also present a variety of shows throughout the day. Show times begin at 11 a.m. and will take place hourly until 3 p.m.